ANDY Thorn admits his young Coventry City side could do with a bit more bite in midfield and is hoping the returning Gary “The Pitbull” Deegan will provide it.

Although the snappy Irish midfielder is not expected to be ready for tomorrow’s Ricoh Arena clash with Reading, the player is back in full training and having a positive influence on those who are fit to take to the field against the Royals.

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“There was a good atmosphere out in training,” revealed the Sky Blues boss, whose players are determined to make up for Monday’s disappointing showing at Ipswich.

“Deegs was running around kicking a few – which livened it up a little bit – and we can’t wait to get out on the pitch tomorrow.

"It’s been feisty but I like that because you need a mixture in your team and that’s something that at the moment we are possibly just lacking a little bit.

"So as soon as Deegs gets a few games under his belt it will be good to have him back.

“We have missed someone with his type of game in the midfield to mix things up a little bit and run someone over in there.

"I think that’s been evident but at the same time we are all pulling together in the same direction and we had a session yesterday where I saw more tackling than I probably have all season.

“It’s not something we are going to get bogged down about.

"It’s just nice to have that type of player and we know what Deegan can be like so we are working really hard to get him back and available for the squad.

“That was only his second or third full day of training so he’ll play in a reserve game next week, but it’s nice to have him back because I love competition in training.”

One experienced head who is due to return to the matchday squad is centre-forward and City’s oldest player Clive Platt who is set to turn 34 next month, with goalkeeper Joe Murphy the only other in his 30s.